2017

The student ambassador program enlists high school students from around the world to give presentations about dynamic biotechnology topics in their communities and schools to inspire others to get involved. During World Biotech Tour festivals and events, the ambassadors play a key role in facilitating the Lab-in-a-Box activities and/or presenting their biotech topics to the public. At the end of the year, an ambassador is selected based on their active participation throughout the year and their biotech presentations to travel to Tokyo, Japan in 2017 to represent their science center at the Science Centre World Summit (SCWS2017). Meet the 2017 ambassadors below and learn more about them by hovering over their names (the selected ambassador for SCWS2017 from each science center is indicated in yellow)

Museos Científicos Coruñeses - Domus

A Coruña, Spain

Ambassadors attend their first workshop at the museum.

Ana Areoso López

My name is Ana, I´m from La Coruña, in north-west of Sapin, I am fourth ESO student in a High School called Agra do Orzán. My passions are handball, reading and, of course, science, and particulary the treatments of sports injuries and genetics fields.

I'm Andrea Vázquez, and I'm studying in David Buján High School. Since I was little I have been interested in science, that's why I love going to science fairs. I signed up for World Biotech because I think it's a unique opportunity to get closer to the world of biotechnology and also to meet new people. In my free time I like going out with my friends. I also love listening to music (especially indie/alternative rock), dancing (I've been in a dance academy a few years) and makeup. I’m very friendly and I love traveling and knowing different cultures.

My name is Diego Dozo and I´m 17 years old. I like doing a lot of sports like football, tennis or basketball. Basketball is the sport than I like most. I also like playing videogames as Fifa (football videogame) or NBA (basketball videogame). Furthermore, I like travelling to another countries as Greece, France, United Kingdom,... Finally, I go everyweek to the cinema. My favourites films are action or comedy films.

My name is Gloria, I’m from Spain and I’m into this project with the Domus, a museum of La Coruña, but I go to a highschool called IES David Buján which is in a town near the city. I’m on this project because I’m really into science, I love talking about the universe since I was five years old because I think that, somehow, we all came from this place and we all go there in the end, I think that we have to try to understand the Universe and the Earth to understand ourserlves so I try to do this everytime I can and I have a chance, as now. However I do a lot of things more, I love meeting new people, read, walk and explore, I usually go on Saturday to the bus station to take a bus with a friend to somewhere we don’t know and I travel all the years to some place. I hope we can learn together and be friends!

Hi, my name is Nerea, I am 16 years old and I live in A Coruña. My hobbies are music, Gaelic football and dance. Of course it is also science and particularly the field of nutrition.

WBT topic: A breath of life: mechanical ventilation

Mentor: Dr. David Freire Moar, HM Modelo (A Coruña)

Noa Viñas Barciela

I’m Noa, I study in David Buján High School, coursing my science subjects in English. I’m really into science since I was a kid due to my parents. This year I entered the World Biotech to learn more about biotechnology and to meet new people from other countries. My biggest hobbies are sports (I do athletics), going out with my friends and reading. However, one of the things I enjoy the most are science fairs. I’ve been to many different in which I really enjoyed myself and, unexpectedly, I’ve also won some prizes. I can’t wait to start this new experience!Español: Soy Noa, estudio en el IES David Buján, cursando mis asignaturas de ciencias en inglés. Me encanta la ciencia desde que era una niña debido a mis padres. Este año entré en el World Biotech para aprender más acerca de la biotecnología y conocer a gente nueva de otros países. Mis mayores aficiones son los deportes (hago atletismo), salir con mis amigos y leer. Sin embargo, una de las cosas que más disfruto son las ferias de ciencia. He estado en muchas diferentes en las que me lo pasé muy bien e, inesperadamente, también he ganado algunos premios. ¡Estoy deseando comenzar esta nueva experiencia!

The ambassadors gathered at the museum to join the first international ambassador exchange.

Rebeca Carreira Cotelo

Hi,I am Rebeca. I'm 16 and I live in A Coruña. In my free time I love to play field hockey and reading siente and romance books. I always take part onda biology works at my school. I think biotechnology is the future because with that we can improve our lives.

WBT topic: PQRST: electrocardiogram

Mentor: Dr. David Freire Moar, HM Modelo (A Coruña)

Rebeca Pena Ríos

I'm a student of 1º bac and I am really interested in medicine, more specifically in genetics and in the way they open a whole new horizon of possibilities in the treatment and detection of diseases. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading and visiting new places.

WBT topic: Genome Medicine

Mentor: Grupo de medicina xenómica de Campus Vida

Rocío Fernández Bellón

My name is Rocío Fernández, and I'm studying at IES As Telleiras. My favourite subject is Biology, that's why it seemed interesting to me getting into this project. I'm very interested in microalgae: how can they help us and how much important they are.

Hi! I'm Rodrigo. I study in David Buján High School in Cambre (A Coruña). I like science and I’ve always wanted to be part of a science project, so I think World Biotech is my opportunity to know about the world of biotechnology and meet new people. In my free time I like doing sport. I train in a lifesaving club, so I do a lot of swimming, but I also like playing the drums, football and, sometimes, playing videogames. My favourite hobbies are meeting friends, watching films and listening to music. I'm a very sociable and talkative person. My mother’s family is from England so my English is quite good.

Hey, my name is Sergio Vilariño Porto, I live in Galicia, Spain. I´m 16 years old and now I´m in first year of BAC in the IES As Telleiras. I play rugby and athletics in my free time and I combine both sports with my studies perfectly. Two of my favourite subjects in my institute are biology and technology so, biotechnology is perfect for me.

WBT topic: Nanobiotechnology

Mentor: Nanogap

Silvia Bello Vieites

Hi, my name is Silvia Bello. I'm 15 years old and I study in a High School in A Coruña (Northern Spain). I live in a small village near the city. I consider myself a curious and very hard-working person, I always set goals for myself, which sometimes makes me be quite self-demanding. I like learning and I try to achieve small things every day. I don't know what I will become in the future, but I am really interested in science and I want to be of help to other people.

WBT topic: Stem cell use in veterinary

Mentor: Luis Mariñas Pardo, Centauri Biotech

Tanis Gemperle Ares

Hello, my name is Tanis Gemperle and I´m 15 years old. My passion are all the things about science and music. I like science because I think it´s very important.

WBT topic: TBD

Heureka

I'm a 17 years old pre-IB student aspiring to be a medical doctor. I believe that biotechnology will provide solutions to many problems in the future, and it is important to be able to communicate efficiently. I'm especially interested in genetic engineering, and the role of biotechnology in detecting and eradicating infectious diseases.

WBT topic: E.Coli antimocrobial resistance

Fanni Leppänen

I’m an 18-year-old IB student from Tampere, Finland. My hobbies include playing the piano, sports, baking, photographing and hanging out with friends. Biotechnology is a thrilling topic and I am intrigued by its widespread use and vast potential. Personally, I’m particularly interested in the medical and ecological aspects of the field. I have previously been part of an Erasmus project on which we worked together with other Europeans on topics such as sustainability and entrepreneurship. Due to many years of living abroad, I have learnt to appreciate international communication, and feel that it is especially important when talking about science. That is why I’m very keen on not only learning in depth about my biotechnology topic, but also sharing my experiences with others.

WBT topic: Stem cells therapy

Helmi Halme

I am interested in all things related to biochemistry and chemistry as well as genetics. At the moment I'am interested in Finnish front row research into cellulose fibers, which could eventually offer an alternative to cotton. Also the genetical modification of perennial crops to adopt similar characteristics as annual ones is something that interests me. In the future I want to become a surgeon or work with pharmaceuticals. Outside of school and academics I like to bake and stay on top of all the newest trends in fashion.

WBT topic: TBD

Jialin Ni

I am Jialin Ni. I was born on the 3rd of September, and I am 16 years old now. Currently, I am attending the first year of high school and preparing for the IB Diploma Programme. I am particularly interested in biotechnology in the context of its environmental impacts and benefits. The rapid change of the environment will bring new threats upon us. We will have to not only combat these threats, but to also adapt to the changes in our surroundings caused by them. Biotechnology has the ability to aid us in doing both. In addition to sciences, I am also passionate about music. I love listening to classical music and play the violin myself.

WBT topic: Biofiltration of Air using microorganisms to remove air pollution

Katja Kuismanen

I am a 10th year student preparing to study for an IB diploma. I am constantly surrounded and amazed by the scientist in my family and therefore wish to try and contribute and learn about their professions. I joined the World Biotech tour for exactly that reason. In the future I hope to study to become a bioengineer or work in robotics. I am an avid reader and drawer. I play soccer, kantele, a traditional Finnish instrument (it looks and sounds a bit like a horizontal harp). I also attend graphics lessons once a week.

WBT topic: Bioluminescence (GFP) in Ecoli to insert in eukaryotic cells to make cells glow to view protein development

Hi! My name is Maryam, I'm 16, and I'm an American-Finnish high school student in Helsinki. My absolute favorite subjects are biology ( + sciences in general) and English. In the future I plan on going to med school because as I said, science is my true love! Biotechnology is a launching pad for discovery, and I'm so excited to be exploring the biotech field with this project. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading books, debating, and yoga. Call me crazy, but sometimes I study biology independently too just for fun ;)

WBT topic: TBD

Ronja Holopainen

I am a year 10 IB student from Helsinki. I am enthusiastic about chemistry and medicine and hope to work in the field in the future. I have competed in several science and mathematics competitions and won the national science competition with my pair on the effects of anti-aging serums on the epithelial cells of the cornea. On my spare time I do track and field and volunteer in several organizations.

WBT topic: Medical device for menstrual (app for puberty)

Museu da Vida (Museum of Life)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ambassadors take a group photo in front of Museu da Vida.

Caio Cesar Araujo Cunha

Hi, my name is Caio! I enjoy playing video games, watching TV series and animes. My favorite series is “Cosmos – A Spacetime Odyssey”, presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson. I have curiosity with everything I don´t know, with subjects from different areas. For example, physics, chemistry and biology.

WBT topic: Let's experiment biotech (Communications)

Gabriel Lucas Cardozo Cerqueira

Hello! My name is Gabriel Lucas and I’m 17 years-old. I study at Pedro II School, one of the oldest and most recognized public federal schools of Brazil located in Rio (it was created in 1837). My school encourages critical thinking and values science. I like to study, socialize and work in teams. My goal is to graduate as a chemical engineer and be able to generate an unlimited and environmentally friendly energy resource.

Hi! My name is Jane Maria. I’m 16 years-old and I appreciate spending most of my time playing video games and reading books. My biggest dream is to work with something that I truly love and succeed within the area that I am going to choose. In this project, I’m excited for this programme because I’m going to face new things and learn different stuff.

WBT topic: Science and story tellers

Janina Felix da Silva

Hey there! My name is Janina and I’m 17 years-old. I love reading romances and watching movies! I have to admit: I enjoy watching one movie per day. Also, I adore getting to know new things and I have a thing for kittens. My dream is to promote nice and social projects within the community I live and graduate one day!

WBT topic: DZC virus detection in non residential sites

Jéssica Martins Silva

My name is Jéssica Martins, I’m 17 years-old and I’m carioca (this is how people who were born in Rio de Janeiro are known)! I’m very curious and I love reading, meeting new people and places, taking pictures and acting! My dream is to be able to help people in the area that I’m going to study.

Hello, my name is Julio Cesar! I’m 17 and I adore studying. I do dedicate a lot of time to my studies. I’m a very active student in my school: I take part in a sort of student council, which we call “gremios” in my country. Oh, I’m very fond of walking in order to unwind! My biggest dream is to play a central role when it comes to changes in Brazil, it doesn’t matter which career I’m going to choose.

The ambassadors gathered at the museum to join the first international ambassador exchange (on screen: ambassadors from Spain).

Letícia Kécia

My name is Letícia Kécia. I’m 19 years-old and I love going to cinemas and staying at home reading a good book! I intend to study psychology at college, but I’m not sure if this is what I want. I spend a lot of time taking care of my little brothers, studying and… yes, eating chocolate!!!

WBT topic: Science and story tellers

Lucas de Jesus Lima

Hello, my name is Lucas! I’m 18 years-old and I’m super excited to conquer my Driving License and be able to visit all the science museums that exist inside Rio. My curiosity for science comes since I was a child: it has grown as a passion since then. I have this dream of becoming a PhD in biological sciences, more specifically in the area of immunology.

WBT topic: Arboviruses genetic modifications

Maria Luiza Lemos Rodrigues Bove

Hey, people, how are you doing? My name is Maria Luiza and I’m 16 years-old. I enjoy going to the beach on Sundays with my parents and taking a lot of selfies. Dancing and reading books are activities I’m very fond of also – dancing really is a moment to express myself! I intend to graduate in medical school and save lives, which is something that touches me.

WBT topic: Zika virus effects in the male reproductive system

Matheus dos Reis Mendes

Hey! My name is Matheus and within a few days I will turn 18! I love swimming and going to the beach. I have a dream of meeting different cultures and people from different countries. I’m communicative and very committed to achieving goals: I enjoy giving my best!

WBT topic: Students perceptions and acceptance of biotech (genetic modification of humans)

Maxwell Glauber Persi da Silva

Hello! My name is Maxwell Persi and I turn 18 this year! I love performing arts, photography, Instagram and eating candies. Currently, in high school, I do a technical study in pharmacy and I intend to graduate in the same area.

WBT topic: Genetics of susceptibility to leprosy

Samara Felix Terra

Hi! My name is Samara Felix and I’m 17. I enjoy reading, going out with friends and playing guitar. I’m always smiling and laughing. I have this dream of going to university and graduate in Biomedicine.

WBT topic: DZC virus detection in non residential sites

Thaís da Silva Ferreira

My name is Thaís da Silva Ferreira (but in my school my friends call me Thaís Ferreira). I’m 16 and I have a lot of interests. The biggest is my passion for reading! My books are my best friends! I believe that I have to construct something relevant to the world and to my friends!

WBT topic: Let's experiment biotech (Communications)

Victor Nunes Piãno

My name's Victor. I'm 17 and I love studying science. I joined the WBT program in order to learn and share scientific knowledge with others. My dream is to be a medical doctor and researcher. In my point of view, science is the best way to know ourselves, and make the world a better place.

WBT topic: Microorganisms and bioinsecticides

Ygor da Costa Sampaio

Hi! My name is Ygor da Costa Sampaio and I’m 16. I really love being part of this program, inside a science museum, and my biggest dream, which I discovered here at Museum of Life, is to become a science journalist. I do enjoy going out with friends to parties, going to the movies and eating a lot of pizza!

Sci-Bono

Including *Sci-Enza in Pretoria, South Africa and ^Cape Town Science Centre in Cape Town, South Africa

Ambassadors attend the first ambassador exchange at the museum.

Khomotso Thobejane

(16) I go by the name of Khomotso Thobejane, I was born on the 25th September 2001 in Middelburg, South Africa. I spent most of my time in Middelburg because that’s where I was born and bred. I am currently in Grade 10 at Forte High School (Johannesburg, South Africa). I am mentally active hence most of my hobbies are not physical. I prefer playing board games and reading.

WBT topic: Genetic Engineering

Khoyu Mudau

(16) I am Khoyu Mudau, I am from Chiawelo, Johannesburg, South Africa. I was born on the 11th of December 2001.I am in grade 10 in Vuwani Secondary School, my favorite subject is Physical Science and my interest also lies in forensic science. I am also good in giving people good advices.

WBT topic: Bio plastics

Maher Muk’Mar

(18) My name is Maher Muk’Mar, I was born in DRC on the 2nd of December 1999. I am currently in grade 11 at Kenilworth Secondary School (Johannesburg, South Africa). My hobbies includes writing movies, mathematics calculations, drawing and watching movies.

WBT topic: Cloning

Njabulo Buthelezi

(16) My name is Njabulo Buthelezi .I am 16 years of age and I am currently doing my fourth year in high school (grade 11). I want to pursue a career in medicine and have my own practice one day. I am interested in Life Sciences (Biology), which is one of the main reasons I took part in this project. I enjoy reading and watching soccer.

WBT topic: Genetically Modified Foods

Nkateko Maluleke

(16) My name is Nkateko Maluleke, I was born on the 18th of March 2001 in Limpopo Province. I am currently residing in South Africa, Johannesburg (Soweto, Chiawelo). I am now doing my grade 11 at Vuwani Secondary School.I am a very determined person, I like doing my school work and most of all I like studying and practicing science related stuff.

WBT topic: Antibiotic

Ntokozo Baloyi

(16) My name is Ntokozo Princess Baloyi. I was born on the 19th of July 2001 at a hometown called Frankfort in Free State Province. I am currently doing grade 11 at Aurora Girls High School in Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa). I enjoy reading short stories, boxing training and playing soccer.

WBT topic: Cardiovascular regenerative medicine

Mentors work with Sci-Enza ambassadors on their biotech topics

*Kgaogelo Kekana

My name is Kgaogelo Kenana. I’m 14 years old and in grade 8 at Gatang Secondary School in Mamelodi(Pretoria, South Africa). I jumped at the opportunity to be a WBT ambassador because I find biotechnology very fascinating with many possibilities. I’m determined and would like to mark a difference in my community

WBT topic: TBD

*Mcdonald Manyama

My name is Mcdonald Manyama and I’m 14 years old. I join the WBT programme because I wanted to learn more about biotechnology and meet different people. I go to school at Gatang Secondary School in Mamelodi (Pretoria, South Africa). I want to become an aircraft engineer after finishing school. I love animals!

WBT topic: TBD

*Nthabiseng Magolego

My name is Nthabiseng Magolego, I live in Mamelodi (Pretoria, South Africa) and I’m 14 years old. I’m currently in grade 8 at Solomon Mhlangu Freedom School. I have a passion for helping people and would like to pursue a career in medicine after high school. I LOVE SCIENCE and that’s why I became a WBT ambassador.

WBT topic: TBD

*Godfrey Motloutse

Hi, my name is Godfrey Motloutse and I am 13 years old in Grade 8. I attend school at Gatang Secondary School in Mamelodi, Pretoria. I believe that people can achieve whatever they put their minds to and that is why I am so excited to be apart of the WBT. I find biotechnology to be a very interesting topic.

WBT topic: TBD

*Siyabonga Mashilwane

I am Siyabonga Mashilwane, born in Mpumalanga and currently attending school in Mamelodi, Pretoria at Ribane Laka High School. I am passionate about helping my community and see WBT has a great way to engage with people and spread awareness around biotechnology. I’d like to become a mechanical engineer.

WBT topic: TBD

^Logan Tait

I am Logan Tait, a 17-year-old student at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, South Africa. My dream is to reach out to people, be heard and change the world, for the better. I have a love and passion for both learning and teaching. I aspire to grab every opportunity with both hands and hope that I can inspire others to follow suit. Biotechnology strikes me as a cutting-edge, new-age discipline which needs to be explored and expanded on, with the emphasis on multigenerational collaboration.